City: Charleston, SC

Category: Retirement

Telephone: (843) 724-2489

Description: A senior services department at Roper St. Francis Healthcare is set up to deal with age-specific health issues. The Advantage program is a membership program for South Carolina residents 55 years and older that provides discounts on selected hospital services. Monthly meetings are held for an Alzheimers’ support group, Mall Walkers, and an AARP chapter with locations in Roper Downtown, Roper North, and Bon Secours-St. Francis hospitals. Other community programs are offered throughout the year on topics such as Parkinson’s disease. Additional benefits include a no-cost discount prescription card, eyewear discounts, and insurance assistance. Social activities include fitness classes and travel opportunities. Advantage Gold membership costs $15 per year. Advantage Silver offers less benefits but keeps South Carolina residents informed and is free. The Senior Resource Center is a clearinghouse of information about resources for seniors not only at Roper St. Francis Healthcare but also throughout the Greater Charleston area. Visitors will find a library full of senior-related topics. Internet access is available to provide more information. A dedicated phone line covers topics such as fitness programs, retirement planning, support groups, household safety, and continuing education.